An Analysis of British Meteor Data: Part 2. Analysis

Abstract

The material is classified and grouped for analysis (§§ 1–3). The discussion of errors and their correlations leads to the important conclusion that errors of all types tend to increase with the length of path and the brightness of the meteor (§§ 4–7). Correlations between the various physical quantities are tabulated (§ 8). A comparison of data for the main showers and for all other meteors shows that, if the comparison is made in accordance with the rules of statistical analysis, there is no essential difference between the data for shower and non-shower meteors. In particular, the heights of comparable groups are significantly the same, and the so-called seasonal effect is really of a statistical nature (§§ 9–12). A study of observed speeds leads to the definite conclusion that the low speeds as given by observers are real, and that meteors are retarded by the atmosphere before they become visible. A reasonable explanation of the anomalous appearance of telescopic meteors is thus afforded (§§ 13–17). The complete absence of any direct evidence in support of the supposed excess of hyperbolic velocities among meteors is significant. Apart from a few exceptional cases, all meteors are members of the solar system, and behave as such (§§ 18–20).